Adolescent pregnancies managed at KK Hospital

The aim was to analyse the pregnancy outcome among girls, aged 17 and below, at KK Hospital.

This is a retrospective study. A total of 108 adolescent pregnancies were analysed with regards to pregnancy order, antenatal complications, mode of delivery and pregnancy outcome.

The 2 most common antenatal complications were anaemia and preterm labour. The repeat pregnancy rate was 15.7%. Vaginal delivery was achieved in 7.2%; 21.2% of babies born weighed less than 2.5 kg.

Adolescent pregnancies accounted for only a small proportion of all deliveries in our hospital. Late or non-existent antenatal care was a feature in most pregnancies. The incidence of repeat pregnancies reflects the need for a more effective counselling on contraception.